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Unity of All Submitters
[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
Unity was the theme of the 26th annual conference of the United Submitters International, held on July 15-17, 2011. This conference took place in Herndon, Virginia, just outside of our nation’s capitol. It was the first time the conference has been held in an eastern location, and it was very well attended. Over 250 submitters from around the world made their way to the Washington, DC area to unite with all those who support God and His message.
The truly electrifying experience was when first-time attendees were asked to come forward. They kept coming and coming. There were more new people than ever before—60 or 70 at least, and as they told how they came to the message, it was easy to see God’s hand in every path. One found us on “google;” several came through the web site; and one man told of a Sunni Imam who was condemning Dr Khalifa. This caused him to investigate and to see the truth. Only by God’s grace. Some new submitters discovered that they lived close to each other but had never met. Two turned out to work in the same building! So it was an eye-opening event for everyone—new and experienced, young and old. It brought tears of joy to see the future of God’s message in such good hands.
The Friday Khutba (sermon) was given by brother Rodd from the Bay Area. He spoke of the importance of unity among submitters and tolerance of others at different places on the Path. Remember that we are a family.
[49:10] The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy.
And he reminded us that all submitters will be tested.
[2:155] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.
[3:186] You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.
The speeches were all wonderful. Long-time submitters shared their experiences, their outlook on God’s creation, and their ideas for ways to strive in God’s cause. New submitters shared their enthusiasm and excitement and insight. One enjoyable talk included the concept of staying in the “now,” with the quote “You gotta be where you’re at, cuz you’re already there.”
The meditation on God, zikr, led by Parisa, Meauvelle, and other beautiful singers among us, was so enjoyable. It lifts your spirit to share with so many others your joy of worshiping God and striving in His cause. It is truly a unifying experience to sing the praises of our Lord.
One of the high points of the conference was the announcement of an engagement. Two beautiful young submitters, Huda from Vancouver and Ahmed from Toronto, met on Facebook only 6 weeks before the conference. They felt an attraction even over all that distance. They met for the first time at the conference, and Ahmed says he knew immediately that she was the one. With a heartfelt “Al-Fatehah” all of us wished them a long, lovely, happy marriage, with both of them focused on pleasing God first and foremost. He is the One who connected them on Facebook. He is the One who brought them together at the conference. And He is the One who will bless their lives together.
[30:21] Among His proofs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, in order to have tranquility
and contentment with each other, and He placed in your hearts love and care towards your spouses. In this, there are sufficient proofs for people who think.
Another interesting thing was a challenge to become involved in a charity that distributes clean drinking water to areas of Africa where water is heavily polluted and not easily available. Brother Rahim and sister Maryam reminded us how blessed we are to be able to turn on a tap and get hot or cold water any time we desire it. You can go to the link at mycharitywater to check out the details or to contribute.
Many of us took advantage of the sites in and around DC. The monuments are beautiful to look at, especially all lit up at night. It’s a blessing from God to be in a country where we’re free to practice submission and to gather as a group without fear of government reprisal.
It was a wonderful conference, and we’re grateful to the submitters in and around the DC area who worked hard to put it together. Everyone came away energized and refreshed and ready to enjoy another year striving in God’s cause, maintaining unity, practicing tolerance, and worshiping God Alone.
[57:10] Why do you not spend in the cause of GOD, when GOD possesses all wealth in the heavens and the earth? Distinguished from the rest are those among you who spend before the victory and strive. They attain a greater rank than those who spend after the victory and strive. For each, GOD promises salvation. GOD is Cognizant of everything you do.
Ed.’s notes: For available 2011 conference presentations, please check the web page at 2011 conference
If you have not submitted your presentation yet, please do it for the benefit of others, God willing by sending it to info@masjidtucson.org.